Paul Merson believes Nottingham Forest can "turn the lights out" on their Premier League survival bid if they fail to beat Southampton on Monday.
Steve Cooper's side host a Southampton team who are six points from safety having failed to win since beating Leicester City at the beginning of March.
The Reds will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's heartbreaking 2-1 defeat at Brentford and will gain some confront forn their last match at the City Ground, a 3-1 win over high-flying Brighton. Forest have four games left to secure their top-flight status.
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And Merson has backed the Reds to take a huge step towards remaining a Premier League club next season. The former Arsenal player has gone with a 2-1 win for Forest.
"This is an absolute cup final if there ever was one," he told Sportskeeda. "If Nottingham Forest don't win, turn the lights out for them.
"On the other hand, if they somehow manage to get three points, it might be enough for them. Leeds United are also in the thick of the relegation battle and I can't see them winning a game of football between now and the end of the season, so this is a game and a half for Forest.
"This is one of the biggest games in Forest's history since their European Cup final in 1980 as they fought tooth and nail to return to the Premier League after a ridiculous amount of time away from the top flight. I watch Southampton every week and while they play good football and create chances, they never seem to make it count."
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